tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50307617375972175042018-10-26T10:58:32.560-05:00Darby: Fly Through My WindowJustin & Darby Sticklerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05275149473225580795noreply@blogger.comBlogger471125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030761737597217504.post-85129351531565618622009-09-04T07:41:00.000-05:002009-09-04T07:41:53.320-05:00Hello, We're Fine and We've Moved!Hello Blog Stalkers...<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="IMG_4210 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3872314248/"><img alt="IMG_4210" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/3872314248_7127a6b87f_o.jpg" width="640" height="426" /></a></p><br /><div align="justify">We're doing well, sorry it's been a while! I believe that it is a 'blogging break' record for me. As much as I love this blog {and you all} my house is thanking me because it's actually picked up, not clean, but picked up. Thank you for your thoughtful emails over the last few days, checking in, to make sure everything is ok.<br /></div><p>In a very small nutshell... </p><ul><li>Erika hasn't had her baby yet! </li><li><div align="justify">I've been making sock monkeys {pictured above and below} for <a href="http://crafthope.com/">Craft Hope</a>, and encourge y'all to do the same! Follow that link!</div></li><li><div align="justify">I had wonderful day on Monday with two precious friends who came from Tallahassee with their babies. </div></li><li><div align="justify">I've been trying to choose exterior paint colors for my house, 7 quarts of paint later {and several consultations from gracious family, friends and neighbors} I've finally decided. A very big thank you to my SISTER for graciously running down her favorite paint colors for me.</div></li><li><div align="justify">We also spent a few hours with Hornet in the ER on Tuesday night. </div></li></ul><br /><div align="justify">After dinner the little rover climbed on the red children's chair in the kitchen and had a seat. He was looking so cute. I was loading the dishes when I glanced over to see that he thought it would be a good idea to stand on the chair. It wasn't a good idea. He immediately fell over off the chair and landed on his head. I was horrified and watched it all take place in a matter of seconds. I scooped him up and made sure he could move his arms and legs and then for about 10 minutes he just wasn't acting normal. He cried at first but then was acting confused, lethargic, wouldn't crawl and wouldn't be his typical "hornet"-self. I tried to be the calm, collected mother-that-I'm-not. And then came the pale skin and profuse vomiting and I decided that it may be more than a little bump to the head. Before I knew it I was on my way to the ER in the backseat of a friend's car with an eerily calm little boy, wrapped in a beach towel. It was quite convenient that our friend just so happened to call the ER doctor beforehand and was still in his own white coat, which helped us quickly bi-pass the swine flu-infested waiting area. The next thing I saw was the kind face of our pediatrician who met us there to treat him. They both stayed with us in the ER until we had the results of the CT Scan, which were negative for any head trauma or fractures. Praise the Lord! And, I must add, I didn't have my camera and they both teased me for not having it! Very rarely is it not handy! :)</div><br /><div align="justify">So, the little rover is back to roving. He has a large bump on his head but seems to be doing fine. Justin and I both are so grateful that the little man didn't suffer any major trauma and for the selfless compassion of both friends. We stand amazed of both. </div><br /><p align="center"><a title="monkeywithMarla2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3871532203/"><img alt="monkeywithMarla2" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3539/3871532203_0a54711876_o.jpg" width="478" height="480" /></a></p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify">In other news, I've been busy working on a new blog. It's been a long time coming... like several months of behind the scenes work. I know just enough about computers, CSS, and HTML to cause a giant mess! But thankfully, I have not been alone in my new endeavor, I have had the gracious help of two others who actually know really well what they are doing! More on them a little later...</p><p align="justify">My new site is <a href="http://www.flythroughourwindow.com/">http://www.flythroughourwindow.com/</a> and I hope you will add it to your reader, blog list, etc. It is a new and improved site that will allow me to host my own documents and much more. This will also be the location where the new sponsors will be popping up in the next couple weeks. Thank you, to all the patient business owners who have been waiting for me to get my act together, this was the majority of the "hold up". This blog will remain here but I will no longer be posting here. If you have a link on your blog please be sure to update it with the new site's address. </p><p align="justify"><a href="http://www.marlaandshane.com/">Marla</a> {photographer and question-answerer extraordinaire} will be there with all the answers to <a href="http://flythroughmywindow.blogspot.com/2009/07/professional-help.html">your questions</a> in the next couple days! I've seen a few glimpses at her responses and I'm already thrilled with what I've learned! </p><p align="justify">And I will be there soon with pictures of my precious neice, I can't wait to get my hands and lips on her and eat her little face off! I'm so excited, I almost feel like I'm the one having the baby, minus the large belly, indigestion, and kicks to the bladder.</p>Darbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135223299830769638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030761737597217504.post-70670541644931998312009-08-27T15:56:00.002-05:002009-08-27T16:05:54.209-05:00JM Tries to Walk<div align="justify">I'm out of words today. I'm not sure these need any words. If you have a total of 58 seconds to spare, these might make you smile. I've had a long day and I keep watching little man and he makes me laugh so hard. He used to crawl on all fours, he's now traded that crawl for a monkey crawl, the same monkey crawl Paige exclusively used until she walked... where do they come up with this stuff? I fear I'll be returning soon with some walking footage!</div><p align="center"><object height="505" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JaNr4i26Gwc&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JaNr4i26Gwc&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object></p><div align="justify"><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><object height="505" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/A6LSjOeQoVs&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/A6LSjOeQoVs&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object></p>Darbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135223299830769638noreply@blogger.com127tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030761737597217504.post-50526119632314460562009-08-26T10:25:00.007-05:002009-08-26T11:42:02.283-05:00Books & A BellyacheHello and Happy Wednesday!<br /><br /><div align="justify">The dryer is tumbling and the washing machine is spinning. John Martin is fast asleep in his crib and Paige is playing 'baby dolls' in the playroom. Today was going to be my first morning at <a href="http://www.communitybiblestudy.org/">CBS</a>. Unfortuantely, the little man came down with a bellyache yesterday, one that required 12 diapers and 5 wardrobe changes all in a matter of a few short hours. A bellyache that I feel quite certain no mother would appreciate him bringing with him to the nursery to pass on to their child. Be sure to wash your hands after you read this... I don't want any of y'all to catch it either. The good news is he seems to be feeling much better today than he did yesterday! Praise the Lord!</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />I thought I'd show you our favorite books these days. These are the ones we 'go to' regularly... ones that are sure to please, sure to entertain {both reader and listeners}, and sure to teach life lessons that impact little minds and hearts.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />First, we'll start with a NEW book, one that came highly recommended to us, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Storybook-Bible-Every-Whispers/dp/0310708257/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_1">The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name</a> by <a href="http://sallylloyd-jones.com/welcome.html">Sally Lloyd-Jones</a>. Sally is a British-American and a member of Redeemer Presbyterian Chuch {Tim Keller's church} in Manhattan and the author of another favorite, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Little-One-Knew-Youd-Come/dp/0316523917">Little One, We Knew You'd Come</a>. I can't say enough wonderful things about this book and it's illustrations {by <a href="http://jagoillustration.blogspot.com/">Jago</a>}. The way Sally tells each account from the Bible is so easy for little ears and hearts to understand, yet, lacks no detail. And just as it's title suggests, every story "whispers His name". As she goes through the accounts of the Old Testament she intertwines the New Covenant and what and Who is to come. It's good people! So good. It can be found in the First Pres bookstore, if you're interested!</div><p align="center"><a title="JesusStorybook by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3858714413/"><img height="426" alt="JesusStorybook" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3549/3858714413_62383c1d84_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">And the illustrations are so wonderful...</p><p align="center"><a title="JesusStorybook1 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3859502700/"><img height="426" alt="JesusStorybook1" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3490/3859502700_579bc5d3a9_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">As are the words that accompany them...</p><p align="center"><a title="JesusStorybook2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3858714581/"><img height="438" alt="JesusStorybook2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2581/3858714581_b49c2eac97_o.jpg" width="500" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="JesusStorybook8 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3859503176/"><img height="426" alt="JesusStorybook8" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3432/3859503176_eaa8241a57_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="JesusStorybook6 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3859503024/"><img height="426" alt="JesusStorybook6" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2476/3859503024_826497ed25_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">The next two books on our favorites list are not books with Biblical messages, however, they are wonderful old books that embrace the traditional role of family.</p><p align="justify">One being, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Richard-Scarrys-Storybook-Little-Golden/dp/0307165485/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1251303299&amp;sr=1-1">Richard Scarry's Best Story Book Ever</a>... {thanks, MommaSis and Annmarie}</p><p align="center"><a title="scarry1 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3859501990/"><img height="471" alt="scarry1" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3418/3859501990_f3fa651f48_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">And second, being my personal favorite by Richard Scarry, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Richard-Scarrys-What-People-All/dp/0394818237/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b">What Do People Do All Day?</a>...</p><p align="center"><a title="scarry2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3858713803/"><img height="500" alt="scarry2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2585/3858713803_10f1f493e2_o.jpg" width="424" /></a></p><p align="justify">This copy belonged to Justin as a child, it clearly has been read a few times and will continue to be read until it can no longer be read. The girls absolutely love Lowly Worm, he's always hiding in the most unpredictable places, who knew a worm could be so entertaining?</p><p align="justify">Here are a few glimpses behind the cover...</p><p align="center"><a title="scarry4 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3858713907/"><img height="426" alt="scarry4" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2491/3858713907_2ecefa1462_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="scarry5 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3858714017/"><img height="426" alt="scarry5" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2464/3858714017_0a0dce1b1b_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="scarry6 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3859502302/"><img height="426" alt="scarry6" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2075/3859502302_914459113f_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="scarry7 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3859502368/"><img height="426" alt="scarry7" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3517/3859502368_fd9b24f2fc_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="scarry8 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3858714231/"><img height="426" alt="scarry8" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3112/3858714231_4a97ba1975_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="scarry10 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3859502568/"><img height="426" alt="scarry10" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3502/3859502568_5474a7b8a8_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">If you're in the market for new or old books, you can't go wrong with any of these! What are your favorites? </p><p align="justify">Be back soon...</p>Darbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135223299830769638noreply@blogger.com81tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030761737597217504.post-7341845671890761072009-08-24T05:40:00.004-05:002009-08-24T05:40:00.173-05:00While the Cat's Away<div align="justify">... the mice will play.<br /><br />Justin was out of town all weekend. It's hard when he's gone, we miss him a lot but I've come to recognize I tend to be more intentional with the children when he's gone; we plan our meals, fill our days, make time for fun outings, etc. I'm not at all suggesting he leave more often, but perhaps weekends like this are good for revealing areas I could do much better at in the motherhood department. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />With that said, I don't think Justin will approve of our most entertaining encounter of the weekend. But nonetheless, little brother was a complete sport about it. All 3 were in the girls room when Morgan came running into the kitchen insisting that I close my eyes, hold her hand and allow her to lead me to her bedroom. When I opened my eyes I thought I'd die. They dressed him up...</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />Without further adieu I introduce to you Johnna Martina and his sisters, who will get major paybacks one day.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="center"><a title="kids1 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3850195552/"><img height="441" alt="kids1" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2603/3850195552_d332acbc4e_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"><a title="kids2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3849400301/"><img height="426" alt="kids2" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3530/3849400301_71f964dfce_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"><a title="kids3 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3849400435/"><img height="398" alt="kids3" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3515/3849400435_32e3cba134_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"><a title="kids4 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3850195992/"><img height="426" alt="kids4" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2637/3850195992_2767e88ea1_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"><a title="kids5 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3850196102/"><img height="426" alt="kids5" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2569/3850196102_8d817a7aec_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"><a title="kids6 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3849400801/"><img height="426" alt="kids6" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3450/3849400801_05a9a0cd20_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"><a title="kids7 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3850196332/"><img height="426" alt="kids7" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3447/3850196332_abccd81fca_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="justify"><br />Bless his sweet soul, he wasn't sure at first, but with all our giggles {and the girls screaming} he finally decided it was fun. And after that picture sequence Justin may decide it's not safe to ever leave town for the weekend again! I'd be okay with that!</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />We also squeezed in haircuts. Since John Martin has graduated to the big kid table we borrowed his highchair. When I saw Raiger sitting up there with the black cape, how could I not take a picture? I probably should have done a clean sweep of the countertops first... oh well, they always look like that.</div><p align="center"><a title="raigerhaircut by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3850195338/"><img height="426" alt="raigerhaircut" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3489/3850195338_3940103f7e_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">She was so good and with the promise of some Care Bear fruit snacks she did just as she was asked.<br /></p><div align="justify"><br />And last but not least, would the mothers of small boys {or big boys} please confirm that this is completely normal?</div><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="roveratmyfeet by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3850195434/"><img height="426" alt="roveratmyfeet" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2605/3850195434_bbd247365d_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">Not the pink chapstick, I know that's not normal. I'm referring to the fact that he stays right under me most of the day. The girls have always been happy to play in other rooms with toys, this little guy wants nothing to do with being in a room that I'm not in. I'm not complaining, I know one day he'll pretend he wants nothing to do with me. :) Now if I could just convince him to let me hold him and rock him like little tiny baby. He likes to be close to me, just not that close.</p>Darbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135223299830769638noreply@blogger.com103tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030761737597217504.post-29895214875323726902009-08-21T14:45:00.003-05:002009-08-21T15:02:09.412-05:00He's Been Promoted!<p align="center"><a title="table2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3843622570/"><img height="504" alt="table2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2455/3843622570_3f7998505a_o.jpg" width="600" /></a></p><p align="justify">To celebrate his new "status" at the big kid table, I put John Bon Martin in his new <a href="http://flythroughmywindow.blogspot.com/2009/07/thrifting-you-should-go.html">Rockstar Stroller</a> and took him for a stroll outside yesterday.</p><p align="justify">At first I just called him John Bon Martin and he wasn't sure if he liked it...</p><p align="center"><a title="JM1 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3843622180/"><img height="426" alt="JM1" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3266/3843622180_75a192da91_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">So I decided I would bust into Livin' On Prayer... "<em>whoooa we're halfway there, livin' on a prayer...</em>" He still wasn't sure.</p><p align="center"><a title="JM2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3842833659/"><img height="426" alt="JM2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2606/3842833659_f44e1dd7ef_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">"<em>Take my hand- we'll make it I swear..</em>." {can you tell at this point he's <s>loving</s> warming up to my rendition of Bon Jovi?}</p><p align="center"><a title="JM3 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3842833711/"><img height="426" alt="JM3" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2537/3842833711_7bf0b14177_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">And finally, he decided he LOVES my singing...</p><p align="center"><a title="JM4 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3843622340/"><img height="426" alt="JM4" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2634/3843622340_42d4f90526_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="JM5 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3842833811/"><img height="426" alt="JM5" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2571/3842833811_7f0cd0a7e6_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">I was confident I made a Rockstar out of him, until I started the chorus all over again...</p><p align="center"><a title="JM6 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3843622438/"><img height="426" alt="JM6" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2472/3843622438_9cdc94703d_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">Next time, I'll try How Great Thou Art and refer to him as John Martin Luther, I think it will go over better.</p><p align="justify">Have a great weekend!<br /><br />Love, Darby &amp; John Bon Martin</p>Darbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135223299830769638noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030761737597217504.post-8571074165826172102009-08-19T06:43:00.005-05:002009-08-19T07:18:35.696-05:00Please Lower Your Flags<div align="justify">Kipper's gone &amp; so are my girls... I lost them to preschool.<br /><br />Kipper's stay was short and sweet. I wish I could tell you that his responsible owners sought after him and took him home. Unfortunately, Kipper ran off and I can only hope it was to go home. Thanks to some faithful stalkers :) I know right where to find Kipper and here shortly we may just hunt him down and offer his owner a little dinero for his sweet soul... and then we'll promptly remove his "parts". Shhh, don't tell him.<br /></div><p align="center"><a title="Kipper by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3836728802/"><img height="580" alt="Kipper" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3497/3836728802_d299802bdf_o.jpg" width="359" /></a></p>John Martin LOVED him. You can see here he's about to break his neck just to see the little fella.<br /><p align="center"><a title="JMandJustin by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3835939479/"><a title="JMandJustin by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3835939479/"><img height="426" alt="JMandJustin" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3540/3835939479_8bfd435d38_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></a></p><p align="justify">Justin was doing some last minute tidying in the yard on Monday morning, which included the use of a wheelbarrow. John Martin was straight from the bed and what better way to wake a little rambunctious boy up than take him for a jaunt around the yard in a wheelbarrow. It <em>almost</em> convinced me to sell all my strollers.</p><p align="center"><a title="JMwheelbarrow by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3835939347/"><img height="578" alt="JMwheelbarrow" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2421/3835939347_411bf033b2_o.jpg" width="580" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="JMwheelbarrow2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3835939399/"><img height="580" alt="JMwheelbarrow2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2624/3835939399_dcaf1d89a7_o.jpg" width="565" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="JMwheelbarrow3 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3836728732/"><img height="550" alt="JMwheelbarrow3" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3440/3836728732_7184f4be52_o.jpg" width="508" /></a></p><p align="justify"><br />Now to the more painful subject matter: school has started! {And if that's as painful as it gets around here, I am considering myself blessed beyond measure.} Both of the girls started preschool yesterday. Morgan is in the 4-year old class and Paige is in the 3-year old class. I really don't know where the summer went, but I've always said that, even when I was school-aged. I know myself all too well. I am not an organized person. I am not a punctual person. Monday night I spent 30 minutes getting ready so that we could BE ON TIME for preschool. I set the girls alarm clock, laid out their clothes and got their table all ready. They were so excited when they got up... it was almost like some superhero school fairy swept in!</p><p align="center"><a title="table by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3835938913/"><img height="480" alt="table" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2587/3835938913_db01ef5d7b_o.jpg" width="630" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="apple by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3836728362/"><img height="426" alt="apple" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2513/3836728362_7bb4eb684f_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="keds by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3835939073/"><img height="502" alt="keds" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/3835939073_231c09d9b1_o.jpg" width="630" /></a></p><p align="justify">Fresh Keds. Does it get any better? The night before {you may have noticed, because you all notice EVERYTHING} I had the wrong pair laid out {the dirty ones on the left}. Paiger quickly retrieved her new, clean school shoes. </p><p align="justify">The results of a little late-night "prepping": 2 little girls ready for school AN HOUR EARLY!</p><p align="center"><a title="girls1 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3835939187/"><img height="600" alt="girls1" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3577/3835939187_7e00dc6577_o.jpg" width="428" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="girls2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3836728572/"><img height="426" alt="girls2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2448/3836728572_1368aac0b8_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">I asked them if they'd play quietly in the playroom so I could shower, they strongly protested because I would cause them to be late... I concured, threw up a pony and off we went. </p><p align="justify">Paige was a little more apprehensive about school when we arrrived.</p><p align="center"><a title="girls3 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3836728608/"><img height="426" alt="girls3" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3526/3836728608_552815eed8_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">Thankfully sister was there to comfort her. And it helped that Paige has the same teachers that Morgan had last year.</p><p align="justify">We ran into cousin, Chapel, in the lobby and couldn't resist one last picture. </p><p align="center"><a title="cousins by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3835939301/"><img height="426" alt="cousins" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2524/3835939301_a0f449d0fa_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">Paige did so well and went to her classroom with slight hesitation but didn't shed a tear, which always makes it easier on mom! Morgan has never had a problem going to school, she loves it. She went right in and never looked back! </p><p align="justify">Thankfully Paiger just goes 2 days a week. So please whatever you do, don't feel too sorry for me, it's not like I'm running an empty nest. Rover will keep me plenty entertained while the girls are at school...</p><p align="center"><a title="JMyogurt by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3835939121/"><img height="476" alt="JMyogurt" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2446/3835939121_6094dde456_o.jpg" width="630" /></a></p>Darbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135223299830769638noreply@blogger.com68tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030761737597217504.post-49496394779407665932009-08-17T07:27:00.002-05:002009-08-17T08:26:04.532-05:00We Call Him Kipper<p align="center"><a title="JMandKipper by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3829259159/"><img height="426" alt="JMandKipper" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2566/3829259159_8a08f6834b_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p>We turned our renovation efforts outdoors this weekend. It resulted in trees going down, Mule rides, stump grinding and a furry new friend, we call Kipper*.<br /><p align="center"><a title="threeandKipper by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3829260697/"><img height="426" alt="threeandKipper" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2509/3829260697_3ee200b858_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">He belongs to someone, not us, someone who put a red collar on him with no tags. We are temporarily caring for him until his rightful owners come get him. We've also explained to the girls that Kipper's owners are going to come get him and that he'll only be here until then. He's a playful, oafy pup and appears to be under 1 year. He's also a MALE, very MUCH a MALE, I told Justin this morning I'd like to take him to be neutered. Justin said he didn't think his owners would appreciate me taking care of that for them. I'm going to give them a few more days to claim him and then Kipper and I are off to the vet's office for a <em>little</em> PROCEDURE.<br /></p><p align="center"><a title="KipperKids by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3830180270/"><img height="492" alt="KipperKids" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3543/3830180270_9d8739d468_o.jpg" width="590" /></a></p><p align="justify"><br /></p><div align="justify">He's very lean and fits through the pickets on our fence which can be quite a problem. He's about as sweet as any dog can be and would make a great companion for anyone. He will follow you around the yard and then lay at your feet when you stop moving. He was still in the yard this morning when we woke up. I was half hoping he snuck out and found his way home and half hoping he was still there. Eufaby tolerates him fine. She immediately told him it was her house and she was in charge around here... dogs do that you know. But now she just looks at him and rolls her eyes, as if to say, "you're invading my territory". <p></p><p align="justify">Non-Kipper news.... Justin's been thankful for the help of another male this weekend.</p><p align="center"><a title="JMdaddyMULE2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3830057318/"><img height="426" alt="JMdaddyMULE2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2526/3830057318_420a2801a9_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">And John Martin was elated to be included in the help, even if his help only involved being a co-pilot for a quick jaunt around the yard. </p><p align="justify">Happy Monday, folks! I hope you all had wonderful weekends too!</p><p align="justify">*Kipper- we named him after a video we have called Kipper the Dog. Do any of you know what I'm talking about? It's a little British dog named Kipper and it is so cute! The girls love it. I picked it up at TJMaxx or Ross for a few dollars and it's one of their favorites.<br /></p></div>Darbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135223299830769638noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030761737597217504.post-28959504117958130222009-08-14T12:03:00.004-05:002009-08-14T15:25:00.262-05:00coming up for air & the pleated apron<div align="justify">Someone asked what I was doing in the last post... I was right there with them making fruit salad when I smelled a stinky and looked down to John Martin only be taken back by the disaster surrounding us that took the children less than 5 minutes to create. </div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Usually on days like the one I showed previously {which has been very similar to most of our days this week} I start self-talk that sounds like this, "<em>How in the world am I ever going to have my house picked up? I need 3 or 4 clones. I can't keep anything clean. I clean one room only to turn around to find another disaster. I just finished cleaning up from lunch and now I have to think about dinner... what are we going to have dinner? I have frozen chicken breasts... I guess I'll thaw them out...</em>" then I reach in the freezer to find...</div><div align="justify"></div><p align="center"><a title="hedgehogFREEZER by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3820172389/"><img height="426" alt="hedgehogFREEZER" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2496/3820172389_78809c48f4_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div align="left"><strong>a smiling hedgehog</strong>,</div><div align="right"><br /></div><div align="justify">that gently reminds me of the joy of the Lord; that I <strong><em>get</em></strong> to take care of these children {and their messes}, that I <strong><em>get</em></strong> to have them home with me, that I <strong><em>get</em></strong> to do their laundry, that I <em><strong>get</strong></em> to prepare their lunches, and that I <strong><em>get</em></strong> to make dinner. That all of the little things that I find to be slightly frustrating have been entrusted to me. And I am thankful... </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />Or <strong>was</strong>, until I couldn't find anything to serve with the frozen chicken breasts... it's a vicious cycle you know!</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />The little ones have also made a discovery. A discovery I really was hoping to introduce them to the summer before they leave for college. But Morgan came in and said, "Mom do you know there's a website called PBSKids. or<em>t</em> ?" I tried to tell her there was no such thing... that it was all pretend... she didn't buy it! :) So, here's our newest challenge.</div><p align="center"><a title="girlscomputer by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3820977138/"><img height="426" alt="girlscomputer" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2449/3820977138_ae58cc3baa_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div align="justify">Sharing time on the computer with 2 kids who don't like to share time on the computer with each other. Conveniently, if they need a potty break they don't have to go far.</div><p align="center"><a title="girlscomputer2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3820172359/"><img height="600" alt="girlscomputer2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2497/3820172359_39b45154ef_o.jpg" width="439" /></a></p><div align="justify">A lot of you asked about the board behind me in the picture with the apron. It is a bulletin board that I covered with outdoor fabric and added nailhead trim. I found mine through a local freight company but the brand is <a href="http://www.moorecoinc.com/categorylist.php?compid=44dcb2457dc19">Best Rite</a> and they have fabulous products! You should go see. If you've been around long, you know I have a fascination with all things "teacher supply store-ish"... I can add their site to my list. One hangs by our back door {which is open for light}. It is 4 feet tall by 8 feet long.</div><p align="center"><a title="board2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3820172551/"><img height="362" alt="board2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2471/3820172551_1505e0e909_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div align="justify">And I have another one in the playroom that is 4 feet tall by 10 feet long... it's the biggest one I've ever seen and I LOVE it! It has cork around the outside and dry erase in the middle.</div><p align="center"><a title="board4 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3820172693/"><img height="448" alt="board4" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3487/3820172693_0c365a0ca1_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p>It conveniently came with map clips, so I<em> immediately</em> had to find a map, or two.<br /><p align="center"><a title="board3 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3820172623/"><img height="426" alt="board3" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2586/3820172623_574c407441_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="board5 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3820977678/"><img height="426" alt="board5" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2547/3820977678_9ee968aff9_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">The map came from a friend who's a teacher that I met through the blog {that will probably make her feel uncomfortable... but it's ok, we're <em>real</em> friends now, not just internet friends}. The retractable map has both the United States and the World. It's really fun! </p><p align="center"><a title="image6 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3820400965/"><img height="322" alt="image6" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2554/3820400965_c1c3dbffe3_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">And last but not least... the apron tutorial. Both fabrics I used were vintage. The floral was my mother's {and has nothing noted on the selvage} and the turquoise came from my grandmother's stash. </p><p align="left">Thank you, Marla for hosting the tutorial at your site for me. Please click on this link to save or print the step by step tutorial <a href="http://marlaandshane.com/Pleated_Apron_Tutorial.pdf">http://marlaandshane.com/Pleated_Apron_Tutorial.pdf</a></p><p align="justify">Please make one this weekend! It's very easy and I made the step by step tutorial {with pictures} very easy to follow. I would love to see any you make! Feel free to make as many as you want to <strong><em>give away</em></strong> but please refrain from mass producing them to sell for profit on etsy {or elsewhere}... unless you want to give me 90% of the proceeds and then we can talk!<br /><br />Happy Friday!</p>Darbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135223299830769638noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030761737597217504.post-53009629047132582062009-08-11T16:13:00.005-05:002009-08-11T16:29:57.883-05:00Brief Thoughts on Motherhood<p align="center"><a title="sillyraiger by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3812743498/"><img height="426" alt="sillyraiger" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2585/3812743498_39be08f644_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><br /><p align="center"><a title="motherhood2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3812106713/"><img height="779" alt="motherhood2" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3432/3812106713_37f93d96f7_o.jpg" width="519" /></a></p><a title="kitchen2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3812056907/"><img height="426" alt="kitchen2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2517/3812056907_e34bde79ba_o.jpg" width="640" /></a> <p></p><div align="center">Nehemiah 8:10 "for the joy of the LORD is <em>my</em> strength"</div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">be. right. back.</div>Darbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135223299830769638noreply@blogger.com88tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030761737597217504.post-80600743177259040692009-08-10T08:37:00.006-05:002009-08-10T09:57:39.425-05:00Social Networking & An Apron<p align="center"><a title="apron by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3807218413/"><img height="462" alt="apron" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3540/3807218413_8f6518c157.jpg" width="500" /></a></p><br />2 topics this morning: social networking &amp; an apron<br /><br /><div align="justify">First, social networking, Twitter to be more specific. On Sunday I thought I'd see what the hype is all about, I'm not sure why, most days I hardly have time to breathe, much less "tweet". Anyway, I created an account. I honestly don't really know how it works... basically Facebook status updates, right? Well, it prompted me to see if any of my friends were on Twitter. So, I thought "ok". So I entered my email address and it started cranking out people who were on Twitter from my email account. Man, there were a lot of people. A lot. I made my little Twitter page look pretty then the kids woke up, I made breakfast, we went to church, went to lunch, came home, put kids down for naps and I checked my email. This is when I fell out of my chair and decided that Twitter was not a friend of mine. I have come to understand that Twitter pretty much emailed every person I've ever emailed and every person who has ever emailed me in my life and told them I want to follow them on Twitter. I can laugh now, but then I wanted to cry. Doesn't Twitter know I'm months behind on responding to emails? Several of my "contacts" use Twitter, most probably don't, those that do politely accepted my request to "follow them". But then there are those who don't <em>tweet</em>, and they emailed to politely thanking me for wanting to follow them but they don't use Twitter. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />Dear Twitter, Our relationship was very short lived. During our time together I learned that Vince Edge went on a 9 mile run with Charles Buntin on Sunday morning. That people are tired, hungry, going to Walmart, at the beach, going to take naps, eating tacos, going to the pool, watching the rain, and watching tv shows. It's probably just me, but I also can't figure out how you work. I see links and I can't figure out where they go to. Twitter you are over my head. For those of you who politely accepted to follow me, you can do so here.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />Next topic, the apron. Before I talk about it. Have you ever taken a picture of yourself? I don't know about you but it makes me feel extremely uncomfortable. I opened the back door, looked both ways to make sure no one was coming. I kept thinking, what if someone comes to my door and here I am in an apron posing in front of a camera mounted on a tripod. <em>How would I explain this? </em>John Martin was trying to climb the tripod and all I wanted to do was get a halfway decent picture of the apron. Of course, before I took these pictures I was still in my pajamas and the apron looked ridiculous over my jammie pants, so I had to go throw on some cute jeans and red flip flops so that you all would think that I actually have my act together and get dressed during the day. If I was still on good terms with Twitter I would have had to tweet: <em>Woke up, got dressed, set up tripod, and photographed myself all while the children fended for themselves and forged for nuts and berries.<br /></em><br />The apron. I made <a href="http://flythroughmywindow.blogspot.com/2009/01/day-10-version-b.html">one back in January</a> and told you I'd show you how I did it. Little did you know it would be 7 months later. I'm working on the tutorial... I'll be back with it soon.</div><p align="center"><a title="apron2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3807218507/"><img height="379" alt="apron2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2533/3807218507_da42147e39.jpg" width="500" /></a></p>Darbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135223299830769638noreply@blogger.com85tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030761737597217504.post-31228179956885381532009-08-08T22:44:00.003-05:002009-08-08T23:17:04.801-05:00From the archives & elsewhere...<div align="justify">I hope this finds you enjoying your weekend. We sure are enjoying ours. I've been digging deep into the archives of my computer... which really isn't that far at all but I came across these. Ok, so they're not exactly archives, but they are from our time at the farm. </div><p align="center"><a title="JMmouth by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3802253535/"><img height="426" alt="JMmouth" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2491/3802253535_3a74893045_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="JM2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3803068602/"><img height="426" alt="JM2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2429/3803068602_0fe2e7185b_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="JMsquint by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3802253365/"><img height="426" alt="JMsquint" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2569/3802253365_21262582b1_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="center"><br /><a title="JMdarbyChair by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3803068716/"><img height="426" alt="JMdarbyChair" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3466/3803068716_950fec04d2_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">Please have a chocolate dipped ice cream bar this weekend and I certainly hope you'll enjoy yours as much as he enjoyed his.</p><p align="justify">I've mentioned before that we accomplished a major feat earlier this year: we overcame THUMB SUCKING. As I went through the archives of my computer I couldn't believe how much Morgan's teeth have moved in 4 very short months without the help of orthodontics. I mean this is as good if not better than any of my house "before and afters".</p><p align="justify">Before:</p><p align="center"><a title="MORGAN_march by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3802253633/"><img height="426" alt="MORGAN_march" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2653/3802253633_c5a8f91821_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><br />After: <p align="center"><a title="MorganteethJULY by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3803068828/"><img height="426" alt="MorganteethJULY" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3464/3803068828_475372eccf_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="lionsmouth2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3729867208/"><img height="426" alt="lionsmouth2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2562/3729867208_dc2869a187_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">Be encouraged if you have a thumb sucker, there is hope!! We put bandaids on her thumbs {both} for 30+ days and did a lot of praying. The first week was hard, I won't lie. But after that it was much easier. We made a calendar and she got a sticker everyday and a BIG PRIZE at the end... which was a swingset, which we're hoping to get soon! Now, I just need to get up the nerve to get rid of Raiger's pacis.</p><p align="justify">The <em>very easy</em> recipe for the popsicle {pictured with Morgan above} is featured on <a href="http://www.wiregrasschristianfamily.com/summer_sticklers.htm">Wiregrass Christian Family</a> this month. I will be contributing different recipes and craft ideas over there and I'll be sure to point you in that direction when the site is updated. We had the pleasure to meet with and get to know the editor, Laurel Griffith, a few months ago. Look around their site... you might just see some people you know! :)</p>Darbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135223299830769638noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030761737597217504.post-24486175424086357752009-08-06T11:38:00.009-05:002009-08-06T12:24:45.220-05:00and now a word from our...... sponsors.<br /><p align="center"><a title="JMhiney by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3795848340/"><img height="426" alt="JMhiney" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3441/3795848340_216116f44f_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="JMdoor by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3795763728/"></a></p><div align="justify">It is with some reluctance and a snippet of excitement that I write to all of you and offer my blog as a place for others to promote their businesses. I've been stewing over the idea for over a year and have finally decided to bite the bullet. I spent some time this morning in Proverbs 31 and was encouraged that the wife of noble character "saw her trading as profitable" and clearly was a blessing to her family. My hope is that the rewards of doing so will be multifaceted; that the benefits would not be for me alone, but also for those who advertise and those who read {because I can justify more posting if it pays for itself, <em><strong>right</strong></em>?}. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />If you have any interest in purchasing an ad space please contact me at darby613{at}gmail{dot}com. </div><p align="center"><a title="JMhiney2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3795865594/"><img height="426" alt="JMhiney2" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3184/3795865594_d8024bdb96_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">**The pictures are completely and entirely unrelated to this post. But some of you asked about John Martin's polka dot diapers: they're Up &amp; Up which is the Target brand. </p>Darbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135223299830769638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030761737597217504.post-78070563941021688062009-08-05T14:00:00.005-05:002009-08-05T17:18:27.060-05:00Apples & OrangesMom sent me an email and was terribly disappointed she only got to see Rover's fingers and toes in the last post. Here are some sweet cheeks for her and you.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="JM2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3789001189/"><img height="426" alt="JM2" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3593/3789001189_976c9e25d1_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">When he goes outside in the humidity his hair gets a little crazy. </p><p align="center"><a title="JM4 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3789812496/"><img height="426" alt="JM4" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2475/3789812496_4a6d916f97_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">I like to think he's sprouting his wings... being the sweet angel he is.</p><p align="center"><a title="JM5 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3789812562/"><img height="426" alt="JM5" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2618/3789812562_0e8ee91f7e_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">I know, I know, he's <em>Rover</em> one minute and <em>angel</em> the next.</p><p align="center"><a title="JM9 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3789001779/"><img height="426" alt="JM9" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2599/3789001779_5b1e5567f8_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">Regardless of his disposition, I love the little man just the same.</p><p align="center"><a title="JMandDaddyBW by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3789001831/"><img height="426" alt="JMandDaddyBW" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2469/3789001831_98f42da863_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">And guess what other squirrels I love too {besides the one holding him}? The swimming squirrels.</p><p align="center"><a title="Morgan2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3789001969/"><img height="426" alt="Morgan2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2440/3789001969_d2c65eba22_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="Paiger2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3789812836/"><img height="426" alt="Paiger2" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3555/3789812836_c850222651_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="Paiger by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3789001607/"><img height="426" alt="Paiger" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2527/3789001607_bcf0ca5da9_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">These pictures were taken with my <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12142-USA/Canon_2514A002_Normal_EF_50mm_f_1_8.html">50 mm 1:1.8 lens</a>. While <a href="http://www.marlaandshane.com/">Marla</a> is still stewing over <a href="http://flythroughmywindow.blogspot.com/2009/07/professional-help.html">her answers</a> I will answer a few that were aimed towards me. One being, "which lens do you prefer, your <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/423714-REG/Tamron_AF016C700_17_50mm_f_2_8_XR_Di.html">wide angle</a> or your 50 mm?" This is a hard question for me to answer because comparing the two lenses is like comparing apples &amp; oranges. They both are wonderful for <em>capturing different things</em> and I find myself often switching between the two. For example, the wide angle is great at capturing wide shots. Imagine that! Both of these were taken with the wide angle.</p><p align="center"><a title="breakfastinBeD by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3782737905/"><img height="426" alt="breakfastinBeD" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2673/3782737905_b70a7d5ec1_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="JMSandPEScrib by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3766013063/"><img height="426" alt="JMSandPEScrib" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2564/3766013063_eaa1712bfc_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">In the girl's room, I was standing ON their beds. In his room I was just a few feet from his crib. It really is amazing how much more you can capture with it. The 50 mm is really a very reasonable lens so if you're budget conscious I'd suggest you start with it... but then save up for the wide angle because it really is a fabulous lens too. And just like my children, these lenses have different talents, strengths and weaknesses.</p><p align="justify">I also had the "what software do you use" question pop up a few times. The answer is: I'm still saving up for Photoshop. I currently edit and crop {<em>but rarely crop</em>} my pictures using the Canon software that came in the box with my camera. It is user friendly and so far I've been quite pleased with what it has to offer. </p><p align="justify">I've got more photography thougts on my brain but I think I will incorporate more of my thoughts/advice with Marla's. </p><p align="justify">In non-photo news, I've been cleaning up barf today. Morgan's under the weather and a terrible shot. I'll spare you any details. But really it hasn't been <em>that</em> bad... I think I hate the idea of vomit or perhaps I fear vomit more than I really hate vomit itself. Well, it is pretty nasty, come to think of it, and I did almost vomit myself while cleaning it. So, yes, vomit stinks, and I've cleaned up lots of it. Just be so grateful I didn't take any pictures! </p><p align="justify">Last but not least, the book from yesterday was published in <strong>1967</strong>! Glad to hear of so many Golden Books and Baby Dear fans out there... I knew we had a lot in common.</p>Darbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135223299830769638noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030761737597217504.post-38519582118261132322009-08-04T14:15:00.005-05:002009-08-04T14:56:04.588-05:00We Also Like Books<div align="justify">I inadvertently left "books" off our list of favorite things to buy at thrift stores. I'm not sure how I overlooked it, the book racks are usually the first things I hit. </div><p align="center"><a title="books by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3789050489/"><img height="426" alt="books" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2506/3789050489_637f8e74ab_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div align="justify">Someone asked how I go thrift store shopping with three kids... the answer is, I don't. These finds were from last week when we were down at the beach for Erika's baby shower. I think when the kids are a little older it will be great to take them along but for now it's much easier to leave them at home. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />The first thing I look for on the shelves is that golden foil binding. I absolutely love Golden Books, especially any illustrated by Eloise Wilkin. </div><div align="justify"><br />Such as</div><p align="center"><a title="welikekindergarten2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3788967893/"><img height="426" alt="welikekindergarten2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2650/3788967893_e23c94ced8_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="wehelpmommy by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3788968001/"><img height="426" alt="wehelpmommy" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3588/3788968001_a0487e48a0_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div align="justify"></div><p align="center"><a title="prayersforchildren by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3788968207/"><img height="426" alt="prayersforchildren" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2636/3788968207_4d8e334bc4_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">Her illustrations are so real, so precious, so perfect for children. The girls always choose her books first. We especially love Baby Dear... we don't have an original of it but it is in a fabulous <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eloise-Wilkin-Stories-Little-Treasury/dp/0375829288">Golden Book Collection of Eloise Wilkin</a> stories, if you don't have it, add it to your list. I think ours even came from TJ Maxx.</p><p align="justify">I'm just now entering the world of trucks, trains, and other boy toys. So when I came across these, how could I pass them up!</p><p align="center"><a title="letsgotrucks by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3788968121/"><img height="426" alt="letsgotrucks" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2491/3788968121_0d874b4ff0_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="mylittledino by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3789779168/"><img height="426" alt="mylittledino" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3455/3789779168_d8fb59e653_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="left">Because Rover is bound to not only pursue knowledge but also be a destroyer of it I found a Golden STURDY book that he can actually be left alone with.</p><p align="center"><a title="iampuppy by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3789779246/"><img height="426" alt="iampuppy" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3476/3789779246_fcdf4ae8a1_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">And it just so happens to have the first animals that he can identify {with a precious fat little finger}. Birds...</p><p align="center"><a title="puppy3 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3788969609/"><img height="426" alt="puppy3" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2653/3788969609_ea054d16d2_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="left">and dogs...</p><p align="center"><a title="Puppy2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3788969539/"><img height="426" alt="Puppy2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2480/3788969539_3e908d54c9_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="left"></p><p align="justify">There was one book we knew we couldn't leave without. What Do You Say? We got a good chuckle out of it... we couldn't get past the pictures to see if the words were of any value. We were sold on the pictures alone.</p><p align="center"><a title="whatdoyousay by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3788968499/"><img height="426" alt="whatdoyousay" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3566/3788968499_56ea4a3bbb_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="whatdoyousay2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3789779442/"><img height="426" alt="whatdoyousay2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2464/3789779442_72745316ab_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="whatdoyousay3 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3788968787/"><img height="426" alt="whatdoyousay3" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3493/3788968787_56d9071c30_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="whatdoyousay4 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3789779666/"><img height="426" alt="whatdoyousay4" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2460/3789779666_30c7236777_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="whatdoyousay5 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3788968949/"><img height="426" alt="whatdoyousay5" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2503/3788968949_60a20c9386_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="whatdoyousay6 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3789779832/"><img height="426" alt="whatdoyousay6" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2560/3789779832_7db176b8ea_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="whatdoyousay7 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3788969173/"><img height="426" alt="whatdoyousay7" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2647/3788969173_4aaeb5a125_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">Tommy and his mom, Mrs. Hill, pick up Cindy and take her to the carnival... but you probably already know that from the pictures. Anyone want to guess what year it was written? No "google" cheating.</p><p align="justify">Thanks, Mom for treating us to these wonderful books! They've already provided hours of reading and listening enjoyment for all!</p><p align="justify"> </p><p align="justify">ps- The trays in the last post came from Michael's {or Hobby Lobby} and I used paint pens to write their names on them.</p>Darbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135223299830769638noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030761737597217504.post-15473435923235348702009-08-02T20:40:00.000-05:002009-08-02T20:47:41.418-05:00room service<p align="center"><a title="breakfastinBED2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3782758397/"><img height="426" alt="breakfastinBED2" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3546/3782758397_6ffc4182b5_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="baconeater2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3782776551/"><img height="426" alt="baconeater2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2571/3782776551_0715a928c8_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p>Darbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135223299830769638noreply@blogger.com52tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030761737597217504.post-30885355276318856902009-07-31T15:51:00.004-05:002009-07-31T16:51:56.825-05:00A Thrifting You Should Go!It's been raining today. After I finished dishes this morning we tried to swim, but got rained out.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="snuggle by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3775411903/"><img height="426" alt="snuggle" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2442/3775411903_7ce2d49a07_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p>So we came inside had a picnic in the family room and watched cartoons. After serving her lunch I asked Paige how much she loved me.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="paigelovesme by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3775411837/"><img height="426" alt="paigelovesme" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3436/3775411837_f2c887d09c_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div align="justify">It joys my heart when she does this. Then she said, "I WANT MY MILK NOW!" That doesn't joy my heart.<br /><br />I also let John Martin have an Oreo. He scarfed his down and made his way to his sister and managed to snag hers out of her hands. <em>Rover</em>!<br /><br />She snagged it back.<br /></div><p align="center"><a title="oreo by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3776218006/"><img height="426" alt="oreo" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3471/3776218006_b8e172eb19_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><br />And he completely fell apart.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="oreo2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3775411659/"><img height="426" alt="oreo2" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3437/3775411659_2d6fba4043_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><br />So what is the responsible mother to do? Strip him down...<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="oreo3 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3775411711/"><img height="426" alt="oreo3" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2599/3775411711_0bd287b4bf_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p>And take pictures of him.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="oreo1 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3775411973/"><img height="630" alt="oreo1" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2440/3775411973_f4f4516c3e_o.jpg" width="467" /></a></p><div align="justify"><strong><em>And</em></strong> give him <strong><em>another</em></strong> Oreo. And this, my friends, is how you spoil a child rotten. Don't do as I do. Please.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />So, what does all of this have to do with going to the thrift store? Nothing.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />My intentions were to also show you some great deals we found at the thrift stores this weekend. First, I didn't find this at the thrift store... but it was cheap and I think it's cute. I also found a little black knit cardigan to wear over it. It's from Walmart and I paid $1 for it. I buy most of my clothes at Walmart. I have no problem admitting this. They're cute and they're cheap. And their jeans come in lengths. Our local store is "rearranging" resulting in clearance racks that are overflowing. $1. Packs of gum cost more than that. {They have it brown and white too.}</div><p align="center"><a title="1dollar by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3775412065/"><img height="426" alt="1dollar" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3453/3775412065_3bdc4423ab_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div align="justify">These are the precious curtains panels we found for $4. I haven't completely decided what I'm going to do with them but they sure are fun and colorful.</div><p align="center"><a title="thingsthatgo by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3776218478/"><img height="426" alt="thingsthatgo" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2540/3776218478_8fd4e93417_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div align="justify">I also found a handful of really great clothing items for me and the kids. And last but not least... the most exciting find was a new stroller. A rockin' {literally} new stroller.</div><p align="center"><a title="stroller2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3775412293/"><img height="630" alt="stroller2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2525/3775412293_6a6df0e202_o.jpg" width="419" /></a></p><div align="justify">It's called a Rockstar Baby Stoller {Infinity model} and I paid $10 for it. It's by Jon Bon Jovi. Seriously. I didn't know he was in the business of designing strollers but apparently he is. It's basically just like a Bugaboo {with a smaller price tag} and in my case... a MUCH smaller price tag. The picture above is the toddler seat completely reclined. It also comes off and can face forward. Like this...</div><p align="center"><a title="stroller3 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3775412391/"><img height="640" alt="stroller3" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3547/3775412391_40c678793d_o.jpg" width="426" /></a></p><p align="justify">It was fairly nasty when I got it. But a little elbow grease and it's like new! I also found <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVv4B5wWj6Y">this YouTube video</a> that shows all it's bells and whistles. I may have to loan it over to sister for a while... with a Snugride clip and a pram attachment she probably would use it more than I would. I don't think they make it any more. <p align="center"><a title="stroller4 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3776218764/"><img height="630" alt="stroller4" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3472/3776218764_5fb177f634_o.jpg" width="419" /></a></p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify">I'm not a very big fan of the "graffiti-ish" logo but I can very much get over it, especially since you can't really see it when he's in it. And while he rides in it his new nickname shall be<strong><span style="font-size:130%;"> John Bon Martin</span></strong>.</p><p align="justify">Ok, you should hit the thrift stores this weekend.... just don't go to the ones I like to go to. </p>Darbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135223299830769638noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030761737597217504.post-47546802384444737162009-07-31T10:13:00.003-05:002009-07-31T10:22:02.299-05:00FYI: rover is a word<p align="center"><a title="roverdoesdishes2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3774557843/"><img height="426" alt="roverdoesdishes2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2495/3774557843_a23caa25db_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><br />ROVER- [roh-ver] –<em>noun<br /></em>1. a person who roves; wanderer.<br /></p><p>ROVE- [rohv] --<em>verb</em><br />1. to wander about without definite destination; move hither and thither at random, esp. over a wide area. </p><p align="justify">He fits the definition, <em>whew</em>. I could add a few more adjectives for a rover though. But I'll leave the defining up to Webster. </p><p align="justify">Be back soon... I just wanted to enlighten you this morning. Please use the word ROVER a lot. It's a great word. </p><p align="justify">He's such a complete and total rover.</p>Darbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135223299830769638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030761737597217504.post-5517478975084294202009-07-30T17:32:00.001-05:002009-07-31T14:12:20.324-05:00Roll With Me<div align="justify">Hello friends.<br /><br />I need to go on vacation more often. The blog gets more attention when I'm not at home. When I'm home my children need me, my husband needs me, my house needs me, my laundry needs me, my closets need me... you know the story. </div><div align="justify"><br />While we wait for Marla to muster up the bravery to address your many questions I thought I might bring you up to speed on life.</div><div align="justify"></div><p align="center"><a title="Momreading by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3772630948/"><img height="426" alt="Momreading" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3449/3772630948_19e3516d67_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">First, my mother left this morning. I can hardly stand it when she leaves. She's so much fun to have around. She loves these little ones and is such a fabulous, energetic, loving, and creative grandmother. Mom, thanks for spending the last few days with us. We hope to see you again soon! <em>Do you spy the Marimekko-ish print behind Morgan? That was a fabulous thrift store find. I also found some other fabulous things this past weekend... I'll share soon! </em></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />Second, last weekend we had a shower for Erika {she's my twin sister, expecting her first-- in case you are new around here}. <a href="http://urbangraceinteriors.typepad.com/the_blog/2009/07/showered.html">She posted about it on Monday</a>, <a href="http://urbangraceinteriors.typepad.com/the_blog/2009/07/more-shower.html">twice</a>. It was such a wonderful party and my favorite part {besides celebrating the new life} was seeing old friends I haven't seen in a LONG time.</div><p align="center"><a title="tara by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3771822515/"><img height="426" alt="tara" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2598/3771822515_fdfa2978c0_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">Tara being one of them. I can assure you I was equally excited to see her as she was me {can you tell by baby Blair's expression?}. She was a sorority sister, lived on my hall my freshman year at Auburn and became a dear friend. She's from Childersburg, AL and is about as Southern as they come. My first memory of Tara was watching her crack open a can of boiled peanuts and asking her what on earth she was eating, I'm sure she was just as shocked that I didn't know what boiled peanuts were! She's fun, a ball of energy and hilarious. A few years ago she had a major scare and underwent open-heart surgery to replace a hole she had in her heart that went undetected since birth! I'm glad she's alive and I was really glad to see her and her angel, who has her mommy's lashes.</p><p align="center"><a title="blair by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3771822605/"><img height="426" alt="blair" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2515/3771822605_835cba9d98_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">The shower was straight from a magazine.</p><p align="center"><a title="gifts by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3772630598/"><img height="426" alt="gifts" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2613/3772630598_c43cd7f527_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">No detail was overlooked.</p><p align="center"><a title="ballonsandlights2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3771822863/"><img height="640" alt="ballonsandlights2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2624/3771822863_d36833cf33_o.jpg" width="426" /></a></p><p align="justify">The setting was perfect.</p><p align="center"><a title="building by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3771823075/"><img height="426" alt="building" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3104/3771823075_ea8c2f15d3_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">The food and flowers were also perfect! {flowers were all done by Anna-- pictured below}</p><p align="center"><a title="annaflowers by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3772630038/"><img height="640" alt="annaflowers" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2535/3772630038_11af06490c_o.jpg" width="426" /></a></p><p align="justify">And thirdly, my children. Oh these children, more specifically my son. Complete scallywags.</p><p align="center"><a title="JMandMorgan by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3772631056/"><img height="426" alt="JMandMorgan" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3522/3772631056_2b80ef0102_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">I've never given much, if any, thought to the idea of man evolving from ape, until I became the mother of a son. And now I must spend some more time in the Word to fight the creeping suspicion that man possibly did evolve from ape.</p><p align="justify">Please, look past his sweet, innocent looks. </p><p align="center"><a title="johnmartin by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3772551789/"><img height="640" alt="johnmartin" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2612/3772551789_a2084116be_o.jpg" width="426" /></a></p><p align="justify">And trust me when I tell you he is a total maniac. Do you see the ribbon tied {tightly} around his waist? What you can't see is that it's doubled up and also goes behind him to keep him in. </p><p align="justify">On a very regular basis I say, "John Martin what are you doing? You are going to kill yourself!" I've decided to call him "rover" when he acts bad. I say, "You are such a total rover!" I don't even know what a rover is... but I can probably muster up a pretty good definition and put his picture beside it. </p><p align="justify">Rover also will never be still and that is why I am mourning the fact that he is no longer nursing. {<em>sniffle, sniffle</em>} He had no problem weaning. I on the other hand am still coming to grips with the reality of it. Why? Because the child is rarely still. The only time he would be still and let me hold him was while he was nursing. I keep reminding myself that I can wear dresses now. Dresses, Darby. Come on, you can wear dresses again!</p><p align="justify">Right now, he's sitting at my feet eating a few nerds his sisters shared with him. He only has 7 teeth, all incisors, so I'm not sure how he's chewing them. But at least he's not in the fireplace. </p><p align="justify">Oh, he's such a rover.</p>Darbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135223299830769638noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030761737597217504.post-27075480331964744922009-07-28T14:42:00.003-05:002009-07-28T14:51:50.703-05:00Checking In<p align="center"><a title="whosthere by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3766810686/"><img height="426" alt="whosthere" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3473/3766810686_7214548c22_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div align="justify">I'm still up to my eyeballs in laundry and tending to the house but I thought I'd take a second and check in! You all came up with some awesome questions for Marla! I can't wait to hear what advice she has to offer us. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />I've decided {on this rainy day} to tackle the closets in my sewing room... but I'll be back soon with some pictures from Erika's baby shower!</div>Darbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135223299830769638noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030761737597217504.post-13301273893824246312009-07-23T20:09:00.002-05:002009-07-23T20:40:03.846-05:00Professional Help<div align="justify">We made it home in just a few minutes short of 12 hours! Thanks for your prayers. He was 150% better on the way home than he was on the way up. He cried between Birmingham and Montgomery but that seemed like nothing compared to the <em>long</em> ride up. While I regain my blogging energy I'm going to do a little something fun.</div><div align="justify"><br />Something that involves this beautiful, talented and gracious friend...</div><div align="justify"></div><br /><p align="center"><a title="Marla&amp;JM by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3749744265/"><img height="420" alt="Marla&amp;JM" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3512/3749744265_6d9824ed59_o.jpg" width="635" /></a></p><div align="justify"><a href="http://www.marlacarter.com/">Marla Carter</a> {pictured here with Hornet}. Marla's a <em>professional</em>. I'm an <em>amateur</em>.</div><div align="justify"><br />Sometimes you all email me or leave comments asking for photography advice. I'm honored that you would like for me to give you advice on photography, however, me giving you advice on photography would be like me telling you how to perm your hair at home {the results could be really scary}. So, I'm going to leave the advice up to the professional. </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Marla is a very talented and trained photographer. And.... she has agreed to answer your questions about photography. Do you know how excited I am about this? <em>Very</em>. I've already started my own list. </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Marla received her Bachelor's degree in Commercial Photography from Syracuse. After graduation she made her home in New York City trying her hand in fashion photography, only to realize that the industry wasn't a fit for her. Her heart had always been in portrait photography but knowing the start up costs of such an endeavor she put her dreams on the back burner. Until... the industry went digital, then she went for it and hasn't stopped since. She and her husband are in it together and have been going strong on their own for six years. Marla and Shane have a retail space in <a href="http://redfishvillage.com/marlashane.html">Redfish Village</a>, along Florida's scenic Hwy 30-A. They each shoot over 100 clients a year yet make it a priority to maintain a very personal relationship with each one. Marla is such a natural with children {and parents}. None of the shots Marla takes are contrived. She captures each and every personality with such ease. She especially loves to shoot children playing with each other and interacting and playing with their parents. She also was recently chosen as a consultant for the nation's largest professional lab and the picture featured above is part of their marketing campaign. Have I made it clear she's good? Better educated than me? Better suited to answer all your questions? Ok, good.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Here are the rules for the sake of Marla's sanity...</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Be specific in your questions. General questions like, "How do I take good pictures?" are very hard to answer. Specific questions are much easier to answer... like, "Do you recommend filters? How do you get good pictures inside? What should I look for in a camera bag? What's your favorite lens? How much can I expect to spend on a good SLR and a couple of good lenses?" You could probably even ask her a Photoshop question! Have fun, be creative, and be specific.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />I'm going to leave the rest up to Marla. She'll be back with answers early next week. I'll keep the comments open. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />In the meantime, I'm going to go hang out with her and throw my sister a little shower this weekend!</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="right"><br />Photo courtesy of Marla, snapped by Erika!</div>Darbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135223299830769638noreply@blogger.com98tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030761737597217504.post-79654234908152358222009-07-22T06:15:00.005-05:002009-07-22T06:40:32.183-05:00Lator Gators & Blessed Names<div align="justify">I'm getting techincal and setting this to post in the morning... so, if all goes well we should be on our merry way or close to it.</div><div align="justify"></div><p align="center"><a title="girlsblueberriesBARN by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3745069118/"><img height="426" alt="girlsblueberriesBARN" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3427/3745069118_fef2ac81e1_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div align="justify">Our time here was PEACEFUL &amp; FABULOUS. My parents are wonderful hosts and we are leaving feeling filled to the brim. It's no small task to invite 3 very small children into your home for 3 weeks. Mom already asked if I'd mind waiting until John Martin is in first grade until I have another baby. I'm not sure why she asked, she knows our track record. As the words came from her lips he was climbing naked and soaking wet from the tub onto the tile floor. She must like first grade because the funny thing is that she also fears he will nurse until he is in first grade {I've assured her he's days from being done!!}. So, if her calculations are right she'll be right on track. I think <s>we</s> he may have done her in. He's 100% boy! He can't walk yet but he has no problem getting where ever it is that he wants to go. I think he could scale a wall if he wanted. Today we were loading the car, looked over and he was sitting on the Gator. He looked at us as to say, "What? Am I not supposed to be doing this!"</div><div align="justify"></div><p align="center"><a title="JMface by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3744268953/"><img height="426" alt="JMface" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3464/3744268953_93fa89360d_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">I love my parents so much and thank them for the sacrifices they've made to have us here these past 3 weeks. They are the two hardest working people that I know. They started restoring the farm in 1996 and it has been their on-going project ever since, along with about 50 other on-going projects. My parents make me very proud. They have worked so very hard to have what they have and yet they realize <em>material possessions hold no eternal value</em>, which makes me even more proud. I cherish the time I have with them and wish we lived closer. Maybe you've noticed that we don't get together often, but when we do, it's not for hours, it's for weeks. And I love that.</p><p align="justify">Thanks, Mom &amp; DaddyBoy, for having us here for so long. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time and already can't wait until next summer. Same time, same place... 2010, ok? Would it be okay if I brought a couple of college girls to help with the kids next year? They can stay in the cottage and we can send the kids down there every night from 5 pm until bedtime... but we'll be sure to have the college girls come put the kids in bed while we sit on the porch and eat homemade ice cream and drink decaf coffee. Any takers!? :) I could pay you with blueberries. Millions of them. And they're <em><strong>organic</strong></em>, if you're into that kinda thing!</p><p align="center"><a title="blueberries by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3745066808/"><img height="426" alt="blueberries" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2623/3745066808_f2a71c30f6_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">And the girls could show you some awesome dance moves. Any college band party wouldn't be the same when you return. If you've ever seen me dance you can tell the girls got my rhythm.</p><p align="center"><a title="breakitdown by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3745068862/"><img height="426" alt="breakitdown" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3433/3745068862_abda2098e1_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">I'm really being 97% serious. We have had a wonderful time but as most of you know, vacationing with kids can be a lot of fun and a lot of work. Mom and I have spent a lot of time together but our time together revolves primarily around these three little monkeys.</p><p align="center"><a title="all3ongator by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3744270037/"><img height="426" alt="all3ongator" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2669/3744270037_c787448d01_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">In case you're wondering, John Martin's clothing is by God and the girls' clothing is by <a href="http://blessednames.com/">Blessed Be The Name</a>. Remember, I told you I'd show you? I'm holding up to my word.</p><p align="center"><a title="paigebybarn by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3744269735/"><img height="426" alt="paigebybarn" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2438/3744269735_15eb1b343c_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="girlshug1 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3744270683/"><img height="426" alt="girlshug1" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3518/3744270683_3c15a66e7a_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="girlsholdinghands by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3744271197/"><img height="426" alt="girlsholdinghands" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2617/3744271197_db96d7ff7e_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="back by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3744269259/"><img height="426" alt="back" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2578/3744269259_1b712686f6_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">When companies make clothes this cute it makes me want to kick my sewing machine to curb. <a href="http://www.blessednames.com/blog/">Ashley</a>, you are one talented lady and I've yet to see anything that I didn't love!!</p><p align="justify">Lator gators! Again, prayers for travel mercies would be so appreciated... especially in light of Hornet's trip up and forecasted RAIN! And if he chooses to be a total hornet again we'll be "good" in a few hours... it only took me a few to get over it when we got here. </p><p align="center"><a title="JMhiney by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3745065936/"><img height="620" alt="JMhiney" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2440/3745065936_b1cbe9b92b_o.jpg" width="548" /></a></p><p align="justify">Lator gators!</p>Darbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135223299830769638noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030761737597217504.post-54674971587314523342009-07-21T06:12:00.012-05:002009-07-21T10:39:26.285-05:004-HMornin' stalkers! {Let the pictures load. It will only take a second!}<br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">Hope you all are well this Tuesday morning. Today we'll be packing up and tomorrow we'll be heading back home. Justin's been bachin' it since the 4th of July weekend, maybe you've noticed he's not been around? Anyway, I'm not quite brave enough to spend 12 hours in the car with 3 kids by myself so my very gracious mother is driving us home. Bless her dear soul and Lord help us.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />Yesterday was the most fantastic of all our days here {in my opinion}. As I mentioned before we took the kids to the zoo a couple weeks ago. I haven't blogged about it because, quite frankly, it was hot and hilly the animals were rather lethargic. If it weren't for a couple giraffes to make us laugh we might never darken the door of another zoo and we still may not. </div><div align="justify"><br />Let me suggest a FREE alternative to a zoo...</div><p align="center"><a title="4Hfair by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3740081919/"><img height="562" alt="4Hfair" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3461/3740081919_63c9f6e181_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">Free. The best things in life are free. This little county 4H fair put the big zoo to shame. I'm even thinking of going back today by myself. </p><p align="justify">Mimi was the one who suggested we go. She must know her grandaughter. </p><p align="center"><a title="JMchickens by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3740862474/"><img height="426" alt="JMchickens" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3534/3740862474_ed90cebc48_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">I honestly don't know who had more fun me or the kids. There were chickens, rabbits, and pigs, Oh My!</p><p align="center"><a title="chicken by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3740862710/"><img height="426" alt="chicken" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3507/3740862710_2e0b21405e_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">They were all in cages. Can you imagine if they weren't? It's hard to shoot animals in cages. Sometimes you can't see the cages, sometimes you can.</p><p align="center"><a title="birdbrownrabbitt by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3740069749/"><img height="426" alt="birdbrownrabbitt" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3489/3740069749_8d1fefa8a2_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">Do you all have any idea how dangerous it is to take me to a 4H fair?</p><p align="center"><a title="collarup by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3740862938/"><img height="395" alt="collarup" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2458/3740862938_d554932347_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></p><p align="justify">This was the only creature that I didn't really want. A fancy pigeon with her collar up.</p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify">Oh, and I didn't want the guineas either.</p><p align="center"><a title="moreguineas by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3740072949/"><img height="426" alt="moreguineas" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2647/3740072949_bc1a990659_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">Have you ever heard a guinea?</p><p align="center"><a title="guineas by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3740072625/"><img height="426" alt="guineas" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2645/3740072625_e78928dbc1_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">They're like roosters on crack. I had to find someone who looked like they knew what they were doing and ask, "Are those guineas always that obnoxious?" He said, "No. Usually they're worse. They're the best watch dog you could ever have." So, friends, if you want to drive you neighbors crazy and keep the robbers at bay go get a flock of guineas.</p><p align="justify">The kids loved it.</p><p align="center"><a title="Mimikidsrabbitts by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3740070581/"><img height="640" alt="Mimikidsrabbitts" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3526/3740070581_09c8a476e6_o.jpg" width="426" /></a></p><p align="justify">This girl dominated the rabbit exhibit and told us which rabbits would bite. But my kids put their fingers in all cages regardless of whether they bit or not. Thankfully we made it home with all our digits. </p><p align="center"><a title="MomandPaigerabbitts by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3740070937/"><img height="426" alt="MomandPaigerabbitts" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3519/3740070937_6504537933_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify">Some looked more like guinea pigs.</p><p align="center"><a title="furryrabbit by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3740071189/"><img height="426" alt="furryrabbit" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3426/3740071189_e47c503403_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">And some were tattooed.</p><p align="center"><a title="rabbitttattoo by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3740865398/"><img height="426" alt="rabbitttattoo" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2675/3740865398_2975ec5c31_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="left">There were pigs too.</p><p align="center"><a title="pignose by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3740073215/"><img height="426" alt="pignose" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2542/3740073215_84b4a7b2c3_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="left">They were so thirsty.</p><p align="center"><a title="pigslurp by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3740073521/"><img height="426" alt="pigslurp" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2524/3740073521_250091d114_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="left">And stinky.</p><p align="center"><a title="pigs by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3740080611/"><img height="426" alt="pigs" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2635/3740080611_767ecab38f_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="right"><a title="pigslurp3 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3740073985/"></a></p><p align="left">The boys who own the hogs were so proud and I was so proud of these boys. Aren't they cute? I could hardly keep up. They were pointing and telling me who's hog was who's.</p><p align="center"><a title="4Hboys by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3740074453/"><img height="426" alt="4Hboys" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2488/3740074453_c68abe8f2a_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">The one in the white nearly killed himself to get his hog to turn around so I could feed it a marshmallow. He finally got it turned around and then I accidently dropped the marshmallow and getting down in front of a 400 pound hog to retrieve a marshmallow was out of the question, for me at least.</p><p align="justify">Second to the guineas, this little sheep got the "loudest participant" award.</p><p align="center"><a title="sheep1 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3740868278/"><img height="426" alt="sheep1" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2579/3740868278_de5ea93f93_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">I'm not sure what it wanted but it sure was "baaaaaaaaaa baaaaaaaaaa baaaaaaaaaaaa'ing" for something.</p><p align="center"><a title="sheepBAAA by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3740074883/"><img height="426" alt="sheepBAAA" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2490/3740074883_69ec962b10_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">And I don't think it was to have it's picture made. </p><p align="justify">I caught up with the rest of them at the goat exhibit. By the way, the crowds were so slim. If you see anyone else in our pictures, they were likely participating in the fair. Most of the kids thought I was with the newspaper. I can't imagine what would give them that impression!</p><p align="center"><a title="mommimikids by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3740869096/"><img height="474" alt="mommimikids" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2646/3740869096_0e6228e529_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">The goats were my favorite. Mom couldn't resist either. Those furry little lips were so soft!</p><p align="center"><a title="Momgoat by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3740869418/"><img height="426" alt="Momgoat" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/3740869418_c3434e189e_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">This one wanted to escape. Must be why Billy had a collar on.</p><p align="center"><a title="billygoat by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3740076013/"><img height="426" alt="billygoat" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2453/3740076013_88cb47e107_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify">This girl made me mourn being a city slicker. 4H was never an option at any of the schools I ever attended.</p><p align="center"><a title="girlswithgoat by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3740869940/"><img height="426" alt="girlswithgoat" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2616/3740869940_a90efa75a2_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="girlswithgoat2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3740076693/"><img height="426" alt="girlswithgoat2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2518/3740076693_9f014fce62_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="left">She was so sweet and totally dominated the goat exhibit.</p><p align="left">Mr. Mouse even got in on the goat action.</p><p align="center"><a title="brothergoat by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3740870546/"><img height="426" alt="brothergoat" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3482/3740870546_1b8044cc8a_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="left">And I did too.</p><p align="left">I spotted this very full {or so I thought} dairy goat.</p><p align="center"><a title="goatudders by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3740871542/"><img height="503" alt="goatudders" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2652/3740871542_bfac022d57_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">I asked the girl if she was really full or if that was normal... "normal," she said. Then she said, "Do you want to milk her?"</p><p align="left">I mean, seriously, when will I have another opportunity to milk a goat.</p><p align="center"><a title="milking by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3740078313/"><img height="426" alt="milking" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2595/3740078313_7b00fef499_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"></p><p align="justify">As I placed my hand on the goat's boney back, she explained that the milk takes the fat from the goat. I wanted to tell her that lactating had a similar effect on me. But she was in high school and I didn't want to totally wig her out nor did I want to compare myself to a dairy goat.</p><p align="justify">Have you ever milked a goat? It is extremely difficult. Thankfully they only have 2 teats. This young lady milks 3 goats twice a day. She also has hands and forearms of steel. I tried and a little stream would trickle out and then she'd show me and milk would squirt out hard and fast and then I'd try and a little trickle would come out. She definitely needs to be the 4H queen. They pasteurize all the milk and drink it. She explained how good fresh goat milk is and how good it is for you. I wanted to try it. So I put my head up under her teat.... no just kidding. </p><p align="justify">Next up... cows.</p><p align="center"><a title="charletangus by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3740872650/"><img height="426" alt="charletangus" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2590/3740872650_efa3246076_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">This one was a beautiful champagne color. The owners explained her mother was a Charolais and her father was an Angus. I thought she was beautiful. Her owner did too. These kids are so proud of their animals and all wanted their pictures made with them.</p><p align="center"><a title="kidandcow2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3740873822/"><img height="426" alt="kidandcow2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2456/3740873822_8a8af0050f_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">This is for my friend, Everlie. She used to show dairy cows and was the 4H state champ back in her day. This 4H fair had one dairy cow. And it didn't even have any milk yet. But her owner was as proud as he could be of her. </p><p align="center"><a title="kidandcow by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3740079891/"><img height="426" alt="kidandcow" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2574/3740079891_19fb867a86_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">And for my <a href="http://www.urbangraceinteriors.typepad.com/">sister</a>, there were inside exhibits too. And one lonely participant in the Interior Design category.</p><p align="center"><a title="interior design by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3740080891/"><img height="426" alt="interior design" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3518/3740080891_80da1aabd6_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">Ok, time to start scouring the house for all our belongings that are scattered from one room to another.</p>Darbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135223299830769638noreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030761737597217504.post-72189699663576936852009-07-19T15:56:00.012-05:002009-07-19T18:23:25.376-05:00The Marathon, Sunsets, iPod, & Earphones<div align="justify">As the title indicates, this post will be all over the place.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />As I mentioned before, DaddyBoy works in Chicago. It's kinda close to the farm but not really at all. He made his way down this weekend. And we were all glad to see him.</div><p align="center"><a title="DBandJM2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3736594880/"><img height="424" alt="DBandJM2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2665/3736594880_cde080843d_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p>Especially Mr. Mouse.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="DBandJM by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3735801581/"><img height="426" alt="DBandJM" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3421/3735801581_61f291de02_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div align="justify">And wait 'til Mr. Mouse is big enough to play on the tractor, Gator, &amp; 4-wheeler... we may never get him away from here. </div><br /><div align="justify">DaddyBoy is a wonderful dad and has always been cool. He has this uncanny ability to mesh with folks from all walks of life. He shops at Rural King and he shops at Nordstrom. </div><div align="justify"><br />He also owns an old Marathon gas station in Mt. Carmel that is being torn down tomorrow. Yesterday he asked me to help him clean it out. With the promise of a soft taco from Taco Tierra I agreed. </div><div align="justify"><br />We didn't leave early enough because I didn't get my soft taco until 10 pm, by then I wasn't really sure I wanted a soft taco but he insisted. Had we gone any earlier, we certainly wouldn't have seen the sun setting like we did.</div><p align="center"><a title="DBdriving by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3735802179/"><a title="DBcornfield2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3735804217/"><img height="426" alt="DBcornfield2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2510/3735804217_6de46fdf9a_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></a></p><div align="justify">He was pretty good about me pulling out my camera while he was driving. I think I'm totally over caring what people think about me sporting a camera around my neck.</div><p align="center"><a title="DBcornfield by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3735803949/"><img height="426" alt="DBcornfield" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2620/3735803949_0646e2c576_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div align="justify">He'll probably call and say, "Will you please take those pictures off your blog?" And I will say, "No."</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />Ok, where was I? The sun... it was setting... and it was real nice, Clark.</div><p align="center"><a title="farmsunset by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3736595466/"><img height="426" alt="farmsunset" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2661/3736595466_8317108fab_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">But DaddyBoy's not near as patient as Mom. He'd slow down but stopping was completely out of the question. So I had to snap with my head out a moving window. He did, however, help me look for some dairy goats that I wanted to take the children to see. They must have dried up because we couldn't find them.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />We made our way to the Marathon and there really wasn't much to take pictures of, especially since I didn't take any pictures until we were done loading the trailer. </div><p align="center"><a title="MarathonDB by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3735803467/"><img height="426" alt="MarathonDB" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3519/3735803467_676e668805_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">Except there was this water fountain. I thought about rescuing it from the bulldozers but it's 4 feet tall and my kids are only 3 feet tall and it had a little bit of bird poop <em><strong>all over it</strong></em>. But it sure would be fun in the playroom... I guess I have until tomorrow morning to make up my mind. If it meant my children would only drink water and I'd never have to buy another sippy cup I'd go get it tonight. </p><p align="center"><a title="Marathonwaterfountain by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3735803181/"><img height="450" alt="Marathonwaterfountain" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2162/3735803181_0b23f9caa8_o.jpg" width="409" /></a></p><p align="justify">There have been a few misunderstandings about the "Marathon". Mom told someone last week that she had just finished up at the Marathon and when she met them they looked her up and down and said, "Wow! How in the world did you just finish a marathon? You don't even look like you've been running!" </p><p align="justify">Anyway, we had to make the trip from farm to town more than once. Good thing DaddyBoy has an iPod. I tend to be technologically challenged and this blog is about the only thing "technical" that I do. I don't text on my phone nor do I own an an iPod. But with a little playing around I figured out how to use dad's. His music selections are so "him". First of all, I had to ask him if he uploaded his songs in 1991. But then I acknowledged <em>at least he has an iPod and knows how to upload songs</em>... he's definitely got me beat so I could only give him so much grief.</p><p align="center"><a title="DaddysIpod1 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3735834607/"><img height="461" alt="DaddysIpod1" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2657/3735834607_d76b5743d1_o.jpg" width="461" /></a></p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify">We played some Red Hot Chili Peppers, Belinda Carlisle, Mary Chapin Carpenter and 10,000 Maniacs and then I started to test him. We played "name that tune". He did really well on some, not so well on others. It took him 26 seconds to name Jewel: You Were Meant for Me and I think by then she was on the chorus.</p><p align="center"><a title="DaddysIpod2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3735834753/"><img height="512" alt="DaddysIpod2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2529/3735834753_0afc0cb69c_o.jpg" width="512" /></a></p><p align="justify">The girls were waiting for us on the porch when we got home from trip 1.</p><p align="center"><a title="girls&amp;BBwaiting by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3735802875/"><img height="426" alt="girls&amp;BBwaiting" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3444/3735802875_283ae424a3_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">And Bird Brown {the chocolate lab mix} was waiting too.</p><p align="justify">We couldn't resist getting out for a break. Paige couldn't wait to show DaddyBoy her "pwetty shoes". {Morgan still sporting a "super hero cape".}</p><p align="center"><a title="porch by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3736597610/"><img height="426" alt="porch" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2620/3736597610_e09d9578d3_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">And then we headed back to town again and I only got one more shot before the sun completely set.</p><p align="center"><a title="anothersunset by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3735803705/"><img height="426" alt="anothersunset" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2485/3735803705_ae7860dbc8_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">And last but not least, Mom and I are gearing up for the ride back to Alabama this week. My dad has some great ear plugs that I think will suit me fine for our ride home. If I had only borrowed them for our drive up.</p><p align="center"><a title="JMearplugs by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3736599934/"><img height="500" alt="JMearplugs" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2554/3736599934_c4d5dc7cc2_o.jpg" width="344" /></a></p><p align="justify">Hope you all had wonderful weekends!</p>Darbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135223299830769638noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030761737597217504.post-12739520031377835322009-07-17T22:03:00.003-05:002009-07-17T22:40:00.592-05:00The Windows are Open Wide<div align="justify">I have a feeling Miss May is blushing in heaven. Thanks for all your kind comments regarding the last post! </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />We've been busy this week! Mom {my mom} has been busy too. DaddyBoy {my dad} holds down a full time job in "corporate America" and spends most of the week in Chicago, leaving Mom to run the real estate happenings here in Mt. Carmel. This week she had several closings; with that comes a lot of work and time away from the farm. While she was away I attempted to hold the three little ones at bay, no small task when you're not in your own home. Yesterday they were acting like a bunch of scallywags. Sometimes they make me want to beat my head against the wall. The best medicine {along with a lot of prayer} for crazy kids {and a crazy mom} is a trip outside.<br /><br />I can think of no better time or place to be outside. The temperatures have dropped into the 70s and there is a cool breeze. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />Mimi met us {with a packed picnic} at the city park one afternoon.</div><p align="center"><a title="Mimiand3 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3729995701/"><img height="426" alt="Mimiand3" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2672/3729995701_20ba89b3d8_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">Mom met us there too and patiently waited for Paige to churn up a little courage.</p><p align="center"><a title="slide_Mom_waiting by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3729064891/"><img height="426" alt="slide_Mom_waiting" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2550/3729064891_eb7212e03b_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">Finally she came... terrified.</p><p align="center"><a title="slidePaiger by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3729865356/"><img height="426" alt="slidePaiger" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2632/3729865356_f7b1de16f8_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">The city park is not state of the art. But it sure is fun!</p><p align="center"><a title="girlsatPark by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3729065453/"><img height="426" alt="girlsatPark" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2463/3729065453_1231a4fdfd_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">In fact, it hasn't changed much since I was a child and played there, Mimi packed this picture along with the picnic.</p><p align="center"><a title="Me by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3729868244/"><img height="416" alt="Me" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2512/3729868244_d8be4bd4f4_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">We looked for the same contraption I'm pictured in, we think this is it.</p><p align="center"><a title="girlswhirler2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3729867680/"><img height="426" alt="girlswhirler2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2522/3729867680_59e144124b_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">Or at least it's close.</p><p align="center"><a title="girlsinwhirler by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3729066649/"><img height="426" alt="girlsinwhirler" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2565/3729066649_b44df5a8f0_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">The girls loved the water fountain.</p><p align="center"><a title="lionsmouth2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3729867208/"><img height="426" alt="lionsmouth2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2562/3729867208_dc2869a187_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">And JM loved the squirrels.</p><p align="center"><a title="JM_squirrel by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3729066017/"><img height="426" alt="JM_squirrel" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3498/3729066017_dac52acefb_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">The girls have also become fast friends with the twins from across the street. They've played for hours and hours and it's so nice to have such precious girls close by.</p><p align="center"><a title="fastfriends by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3729067869/"><img height="426" alt="fastfriends" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3427/3729067869_b24968983c_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">I had the pleasure of painting all 40 of their little toes.</p><p align="center"><a title="toesies by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3729068077/"><img height="277" alt="toesies" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2636/3729068077_6a270617b6_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">One night Mom took us across a toll bridge that I feel certain we should have been paid to cross rather than pay to cross. It used to be a train bridge and they converted it by laying railroad ties across the tracks.</p><p align="center"><a title="crossing by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3729068601/"><img height="426" alt="crossing" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2527/3729068601_870621efae_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">You are fully responsible for making sure there are no on-coming cars before you cross. Some locals will drive 30 miles out of the way to avoid crossing this bridge. I can see why.</p><p align="center"><a title="bridge2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3729068797/"><img height="417" alt="bridge2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2650/3729068797_b91e5e69d3_o.jpg" width="600" /></a></p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify">I've also witnessed a few of these.</p><p align="center"><a title="sunset1 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3729068963/"><img height="426" alt="sunset1" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2441/3729068963_88153c2260_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">Today we found a hidden treasure. There is a small school in my parent's town and behind it... a fabulous little playground. We found it on our walk this morning, hurried home, packed a picnic and then headed right back.</p><p align="center"><a title="big picture by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3730751328/"><img height="463" alt="big picture" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2601/3730751328_46348e84c5_o.jpg" width="630" /></a></p><p align="justify">Hot dogs, potato chips, sippy cups, sunglasses, a blanket, a camera... and we were ALL set.</p><p align="center"><a title="raigersunglasses by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3729954937/"><img height="426" alt="raigersunglasses" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3441/3729954937_2cf8461e72_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">Oh, and a chicken leg too.</p><p align="center"><a title="JMchickenleg by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3729955125/"><img height="426" alt="JMchickenleg" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3502/3729955125_75d0eea625_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">And now it looks like my children are barbarians by the way they eat. </p><p align="justify">It's a small Christian school...</p><p align="center"><a title="reflection by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3730752232/"><img height="426" alt="reflection" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3501/3730752232_f8a8e3d560_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">and sits at the crossroads of town &amp; cornfields.</p><p align="center"><a title="girlsplayground by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3730752070/"><img height="426" alt="girlsplayground" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3651/3730752070_d4348a84a1_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">The girls were in heaven.</p><p align="center"><a title="beautifulSKYandMC by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3729957343/"><img height="426" alt="beautifulSKYandMC" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3453/3729957343_041ffba2c9_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify"><a title="beautifulSKYandMC by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3729957343/"></a></p><p align="center"><a title="Morgan by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3730753078/"></a></p><p align="justify">John Martin had a rice krispy treat with a side of pebbles.</p><p align="center"><a title="JMricekrispies by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3729957035/"><img height="426" alt="JMricekrispies" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2476/3729957035_b258ce5c3d_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">Mimi brought out dinner to us tonight and spent time on the porch <em>trying</em> to hold John Martin.</p><p align="right"><a title="JMandMIMI by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3730403283/"><img height="426" alt="JMandMIMI" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3528/3730403283_99a6f48063_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">But he's such a worm.</p><p align="center"><a title="JM by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3731197660/"><img height="426" alt="JM" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3504/3731197660_22c70d7f78_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">The girls played with their new friends and their puppies tonight too. {Morgan sporting her "super hero cape".}</p><p align="center"><a title="girlsSMALL by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3730401807/"><img height="426" alt="girlsSMALL" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3462/3730401807_e5b61bb291_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">And I watched the sky...</p><p align="center"><a title="BigSky by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3730402225/"><img height="426" alt="BigSky" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2645/3730402225_6d7e6d8e82_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="right">... and wondered if anyone who doesn't believe a creative God spoke our universe into existence has been outside lately?</p><p align="center"><em><span style="color:#009900;">Psalm 72:19 Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory.</span></em></p>Darbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135223299830769638noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030761737597217504.post-42155644732191449762009-07-14T08:36:00.011-05:002009-07-14T22:10:21.177-05:00Viola "May" Johnson<div align="justify">Viola “May” Johnson.<br /></div><div align="justify"><br />A woman I never knew. A woman I wish I had known. </div><p align="center"><a title="barn2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3722340144/"><img height="426" alt="barn2" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3070/3722340144_f343fe50ae_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Mother and I spent last Saturday morning at the auction of her estate. It was held just around the corner from my parent’s farm. To say that it was an emotional experience would be an understatement. I turned to mom and said, “Is it okay for me to cry at an auction?” She said, “Yes. I feel like crying to.” I was mourning the loss of a person I never knew and more than that, I was mourning the fact that her belongings, her history, her home, her land, the works of her hands and what was left of her earthly life were all abandoned to an auctioneer. From what I can tell of May and what I've since learned of her, she was an extraordinary woman.<br /><br />We came close to not going, it was raining and we questioned whether or not it would be worth outfitting ourselves in rain gear and dredging through the mud to see what was left of the 94-year old woman’s belongings. Her real estate was to be sold first followed by her belongings, which included everything from her toilet paper to her car. The auction flier advertised “this home is crammed full of an unbelievable amount of small collectibles”. That can be good or that can be bad… we would only know if we went, so we did.<br /></div><p align="center"><a title="auctioneer2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3721524697/"><img height="426" alt="auctioneer2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2518/3721524697_a76a71b1cb_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div align="justify">My aunt and cousin kept the kids. We clothed ourselves in slickers and I zipped my camera bag up under my rain jacket, which made my jacket extremely tight, hot and uncomfortable, but I’m glad I did it. And we were glad we went. We thought the rain would be to our advantage and hinder others, unfortunately everyone else had the same idea.<br /><br />My parents have always gone to auctions. I’ve only been to a handful, but those I have been to have not only been entertaining, but also, memorable. This one was no different. It was an absolute auction, meaning there were no reserves. They started with her 3 bedroom house that sits on a beautiful acre and a half of land with 3 outbuildings, mature trees and blackberries like I’ve never seen. It went for a measly $28,000. This is when the lump appeared in my throat and I kept telling myself not to cry but I could hardly contain myself. I cried because something so beautiful can’t be sold for so little. I also cried because I wished I could buy it, although, I knew how unreasonable such a thought was. I kept telling myself people pay more for cheap cars than this.<br /><br />I went through the house.<br /></div><p align="center"><a title="housecarFRONT by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3721548037/"><img height="426" alt="housecarFRONT" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3489/3721548037_0af7a9b098_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div align="justify">Her car {pictured above} was sold at noon. It was a 1985 Ford LTD in mint condition with 45,000 miles. I imagine May drove it to town and then back home, once a week for 20+ years.<br /><br />The inside of the house was not updated, nor was it necessarily beautiful. But it did have hardwood floors and I imagine it had a lot of stories to tell if it could. Each room was brightly painted; I could tell May loved color! </div><p align="center"><a title="livingroom by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3721549377/"><img height="426" alt="livingroom" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2614/3721549377_ed2c2dc11b_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div align="justify"><br /></div><p align="center"><a title="kitchen by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3721549921/"><img height="426" alt="kitchen" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3494/3721549921_ece2962268_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div align="justify">After I went through the kitchen, I continued through the doorway you see and made a right hand turn and found the stairs that led to the basement. You can imagine my surprise when I reached the bottom of the stairs. The lump came back in my throat. If you’ve ever canned anything you can appreciate what I saw. </div><p align="center"><a title="canbasement by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3722362866/"><img height="640" alt="canbasement" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3476/3722362866_10be69fef1_o.jpg" width="426" /></a></p><div align="justify">I couldn’t believe my eyes, nor could I resist taking pictures, a lot of pictures.<br /></div><p align="center"><a title="cans4 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3721520963/"><img height="426" alt="cans4" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3509/3721520963_b0a805f26a_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div align="justify">Do you have any idea how many hours May spent standing over a hot stove to can all those jars? Some dated as recent as 2006; she would have been 91 years old standing over the stove canning her vegetables {that I imagine she grew} and the blackberries that she picked. </div><p align="center"><a title="cans2006 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3722362030/"><img height="426" alt="cans2006" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3505/3722362030_394ba4fc9a_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div align="justify">I had no desire to crack open any of her jars but I certainly could appreciate her efforts and time. There must have been 200 unopened jars in the basement.<br /><br />After nearly falling over at the sight of the jars I walked to the other side of the basement where I found her old washing machine and stove. It appeared as though both died mid-cycle. </div><p align="center"><a title="oldwashingmachine by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3721521589/"><img height="426" alt="oldwashingmachine" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2435/3721521589_eeb7d53b43_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="center"><a title="oldstove by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3722363602/"><img height="426" alt="oldstove" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3479/3722363602_d1549079de_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div align="justify">The auction continued outside. People hovered over hay trailers that were placed around her yard, covered in belongings that were destined for the auction block.<br /></div><p align="center"><a title="backyard by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3721546435/"><img height="426" alt="backyard" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2537/3721546435_0ea88600d9_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div align="justify">It didn’t take long for me to realize that May wasn’t much of one for getting rid of stuff. Radios, owl lamps, family pictures, a wedding gown, quilts {all done by hand}, glass jars, jewelry, dolls, toys, scissors… and the list goes on and on. You name it, she had it. </div><div align="center"><br /><a title="lamps by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3722325054/"><img height="426" alt="lamps" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2583/3722325054_474e17cdd3_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"><a title="radios by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3722342292/"><img height="426" alt="radios" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2646/3722342292_e43a66e9b5_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"><a title="glassjars by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3722342696/"><img height="426" alt="glassjars" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2633/3722342696_dff3d3ace4_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"><a title="quilt by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3721537725/"><img height="426" alt="quilt" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2542/3721537725_43c14c7413_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"><a title="lacedress by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3722356582/"><img height="426" alt="lacedress" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3440/3722356582_fc6b1192cd_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">May never married and I can only wonder if she bought this wedding gown on clearance {the price tag was marked down to $20} with the hopes that one day she would wear it. It was beautiful.</div><div align="justify"><br /><a href="http://www.tristate-media.com/articles/2009/04/23/mtcarmelregister/obituaries/obit1.txt">Her obituary</a> offered little insight to her life, but what it did tell, I already knew from being at her auction; that she wasn't married, nor did she have any children. My great aunt, Martha, was kin to May. After a few emails back and forth she's confirmed all my suspicions about May. I knew if she had living children or grandchildren most of what was up for auction would have certainly been claimed and I knew by the sight of her basement, yard and belongings she was one hard worker and a fine homemaker. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br />Here's what my great aunt Martha had to say about May:</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />SHE WAS ALWAYS A HARD WORKER AND LOVING PERSON. THE LAST TIME WE WENT TO SEE HER AT HOME SHE JUMPED INTO THE CAR AFTER I GOT OUT ON MY SIDE AND GRABBED BOB {my great uncle} FOR A BIG HUG BEFORE HE COULD GET OUT. SHE ALWAYS GAVE US SOME CANNED BLACKBERRIES TO TAKE HOME WITH US AND SHE SENT ME SOME FAMILY PICTURES LAST YEAR THAT SHE THOUGHT I MIGHT LIKE TO HAVE. I LAST SAW HER IN THE HOSPITAL AT EVANSVILLE. MAY NEVER MARRIED OR HAD A CHILD. THROUGH ALL THE YEARS I NEVEREVEN HEARD OF A BOY FRIEND. SHE ALWAYS SMILED AND SEEMED HAPPY. UNCLE JOHNNY AND AUNT DORIS NEVER HAD ANY CHILDREN OTHER THAN MAY. SHE WORKED SIDE BY SIDE WITH THEM IN THE FIELDS AND ON THE FARM ALL HER LIFE. WHEN THEY DIED ALL THE FAMILY WERE HAPPY TO SEE MAY GET THE FARM WHICH SHE SOLD AND BOUGHT THE LITTLE HOUSE SHE LIVED IN FROM THEN ON. SHE WAS ALWAYS A HARD WORKER AND LOVING PERSON.</span></div><div align="justify"><br />May kept every card ever sent to her. She didn't keep junk mail. She kept letters and cards that were important to her, from people she cared about.</div><p align="center"><a title="cards by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3722341656/"><img height="357" alt="cards" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2665/3722341656_30832d28c5_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div align="justify">She also kept every Valentine she ever received. Guess who was the highest bidder? Me. I couldn't resist. They're gorgeous and there are nearly 100 of them, if not more.</div><p align="center"><a title="valentines by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3722347102/"><img height="426" alt="valentines" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2443/3722347102_b76b9f212e_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div align="justify">Mom was the highest bidder on an old doll high chair. She's cleaned it all up and her granddaughters love it.</div><p align="center"><a title="Mom by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3721533097/"><img height="500" alt="Mom" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2547/3721533097_d0169a1304.jpg" width="333" /></a></p><div align="justify">I also bid on and won the frog and dog for John Martin's bookshelves.</div><p align="center"><a title="chalkware by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3722345314/"><img height="426" alt="chalkware" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2522/3722345314_b89d0b6b5b_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">If you've never been to an auction and bid on something, it's so exciting. It will make your heart race; the auctioneer talks so fast I couldn't help but wonder if I was bidding against myself.</p><p align="justify">The auctioneer came out of his trailer to sell a few things.</p><p align="center"><a title="tillerguys by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3722345944/"><img height="426" alt="tillerguys" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2612/3722345944_379b77c24e_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">The man in the red hat was bidding against the man to his right {in the blue hat} for May's tiller. </p><p align="center"><a title="tillerguys2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3721534713/"><img height="426" alt="tillerguys2" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3526/3721534713_83b0de11bf_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">It was so fun to watch them.</p><p align="center"><a title="tillerguys3 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3721534899/"><img height="426" alt="tillerguys3" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2435/3721534899_5cff57a7e7_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">The man in blue kept looking down at the tiller, like he was measuring her up, to see if she was worth it.</p><p align="center"><a title="tillerguys4 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3722346602/"><img height="426" alt="tillerguys4" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3434/3722346602_139f8aa272_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">She was a beauty, but in my opinion not worth the price she went for. That's what happens at an auction when two people want the same thing.</p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify">May had a few little toys. Because she didn't have any children of her own, I imagine these were around for nieces and nephews.</p><p align="center"><a title="toys2 by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3721536451/"><img height="426" alt="toys2" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2617/3721536451_8a088e429a_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">This one was my favorite. It was so very small and fit in the palm of my hand.</p><p align="center"><a title="sewingmachine by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3721536805/"><img height="426" alt="sewingmachine" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3441/3721536805_155532100f_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p align="justify">There were so many things that I saw that I would have like to bid on but an auction takes, what seems like, forever. We only had a few hours which wasn't nearly enough time to get even half way through the sale; they were likely there all day. It's probably best that we didn't stay, otherwise, I would have left with much more.</p><p align="justify">I did happen to bid on and win a necklace that belonged to May, I paid $12 for the necklace {and a pair of matching earrings}.</p><p align="center"><a title="mynecklace by Darby's Pictures, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/3721554971/"><img height="300" alt="mynecklace" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2661/3721554971_b4675f5442_o.jpg" width="630" /></a></p><p align="justify">Two oranges hang from each little gold branch along with a green leaf. I thought it was so unique and beautiful. Clearly it isn't meant to be paired with a grey and white tank top but by the end of the auction the sun had appeared and my rain gear was gone. </p><p align="justify">If you'd like to see more of what I saw and captured at the auction you can do so by following <strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28352717@N02/sets/72157621473055174/">this link</a></span></strong> to my Auction set on Flickr. It was certainly a Saturday morning for the record books and I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn more about May Johnson, if only it would have been this side of eternity. I hope we can meet up on the other side, I think we'll be good friends. </p>Darbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01135223299830769638noreply@blogger.com118